Events Manager | Kalamazoo Event Center

Greenleaf Hospitality Group•Kalamazoo, MI

About The Position

The Events Manager is the primary planning partner for clients hosting events in the Kalamazoo Event Center’s event spaces. The role guides clients from the contracted sales handoff through planning, event execution, billing, and post-event follow-up. Events may include weddings, holiday parties, trade shows, and conferences. The position translates client goals into seamless experiences through detailed communication, expert guidance, and operational partnership while supporting financial performance and Greenleaf Hospitality Group’s vision to be the Host of Kalamazoo. This role is responsible for events held within the Kalamazoo Event Center’s event spaces. It does not oversee arena programming, including sporting events, concerts, tournaments, consumer shows, or other ticketed and specialty entertainment.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in event planning, event services, convention services, catering services, or related event management.
Ability to independently manage client or stakeholder relationships and detailed event logistics from initial planning through execution and post-event closeout.
Experience planning a variety of events, such as meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions, holiday parties, exhibitions, or trade shows.
Strong client relationship skills, including understanding event objectives, providing guidance, establishing expectations, and building long-term relationships.
Exceptional organization and time management, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple events at different planning stages.
Ability to remain composed under pressure and respond to changing client needs, operational challenges, and time-sensitive decisions.
Professional presence and sound judgment to lead complex, high-profile, or milestone-driven events with confidence, discretion, and poise.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create accurate event documentation and lead cross-functional communication.
Financial awareness and understanding of event pricing, contractual commitments, minimums, labor considerations, billing processes, and how event decisions affect profitability.
Ability to identify and recommend enhancements that provide value to clients while supporting revenue and service objectives.
Working knowledge of banquet operations, food and beverage service standards, audiovisual production, event diagrams, vendor logistics, exhibit requirements, and event flow.
Strong technical aptitude and ability to enter information accurately and efficiently into event management, diagramming, communication, and financial software systems.
Self-directed and proactive approach, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify challenges, and independently move planning forward.
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on the assigned event calendar.
Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience within a hotel, convention center, or large-scale event venue.

Responsibilities

Serve as the client’s primary planning partner after the contracted sales handoff, building relationships and understanding event objectives, priorities, and measures of success.
Lead pre-planning meetings and provide recommendations on room layouts, timelines, food and beverage, audiovisual production, décor, guest flow, vendor requirements, and other event elements.
Prepare accurate and detailed Banquet Event Orders, event diagrams, event resumes, timelines, and supporting documentation.
Lead and participate in recurring event meetings, confirming details are understood and operationally achievable.
Collaborate with Banquets, Culinary, Event Technology, Facilities, Security, Parking, Finance, Sales, and other internal partners.
Coordinate use of event space in accordance with venue and client requirements.
Recommend appropriate food and beverage, audiovisual, production, and experience enhancements that add client value and support departmental financial objectives.
Maintain a thorough understanding of contracted commitments, payment schedules, pricing, minimums, and event requirements; document and communicate changes that may affect agreements or final charges.
Partner with Finance and operational teams to produce accurate, timely final billing in accordance with contracted payment guidelines.
Provide leadership during key event periods as the primary client contact and escalation point, coordinating arrangements, on-site changes, and client satisfaction.
Respond promptly to client questions and concerns and collaborate across functions to identify solutions.
Support the Sales team in transitions from contracting to execution, identify future opportunities, and contribute to client retention and rebooking.
Seek client and operational feedback and evaluate event results to improve future event experiences.
Build collaborative relationships across the Kalamazoo Event Center and Greenleaf Hospitality Group while demonstrating the organization’s vision, mission, core values, and commitment to hospitality.

Benefits

Clear growth paths within GHG Events or broader Greenleaf Hospitality Group leadership roles.
Parental Leave Program.
401(k) with 100% match up to 3%.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Annual Bonus Program.
Employee Assistance Program, including up to 7 free counseling sessions per year.
Health and Wellness reimbursement up to $600 annually for eligible items.
10% discount on GHG outlets.
Remote work program offering up to 5 days per month, based around scheduled site tours and event support.
Complimentary access to the Employee Cafeteria for one meal each day.